SYDNEY APPRENTICE SHORT-CHANGED ALMOST $25,000

AN APPRENTICE floor layer has been back-paid almost $25,000 by a western Sydney business, following an investigation by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Pampost Pty Ltd, trading as Bass Floor Company in Guildford West, paid the full-time adult apprentice at junior rates over two years.

The company also kept tool allowances in a fund for employees to purchase equipment as required, instead of paying it directly to staff.

The company and its sole director, Timothy Minogue, have entered into an Enforceable Undertaking with the Fair Work Ombudsman aimed at encouraging behavioural change and future compliance with workplace laws.

Enforceable Undertakings were introduced by legislation in 2009 and the Fair Work Ombudsman has been using them to achieve strong outcomes against companies that breach workplace laws, without the need for civil court proceedings.

Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James says Pampost Pty Ltd has cooperated with the agency and amended workplace practices.

"We use Enforceable Undertakings where we have formed a view that a breach of the law has occurred, but where the employer has acknowledged this, accepted responsibility and agreed to cooperate and fix the problem," James says.

"The Fair Work Ombudsman is striving to build a culture of compliance where businesses understand and comply with their lawful obligations."

The company was audited in March as part of the Fair Work Ombudsman's proactive compliance and education campaign across western Sydney.

In 2015-16, a total of $3.85 million in underpaid wages and entitlements was returned to 2132 employees as a result of their employers entering into Enforceable Undertakings with the Fair Work Ombudsman, up slightly on the $3.75 million recovered for 2507 workers a year earlier.